Product Description

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What caused a former Dallas Seminary professor to believe that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are being given today? What convinced someone skeptical about miracles that God still speaks and heals?

A dramatic change took place in Jack Deere's life when he took a fresh look at the Scriptures. He discovered that his arguments against miraculous gifts were based more on prejudice and lack of personal experience than on the Bible. As soon as Deere became a seeker instead of a skeptic, the Holy Spirit revealed himself in new and surprising ways.

In Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, Deere provides a strong biblical defense for the Spirit's speaking and healing ministries today. He also describes several reliable cases of people who were miraculously healed or who heard God speak in an unmistakable way. Finally, he gives sound advice for using spiritual gifts in the church.

Written in a popular style, with the care of a scholar but the passion of personal experience, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit explores:

the real reason Christians do not believe in miraculous gifts

responding to charismatic abuses

whether miracles were meant to be temporary

why God still heals

Product Information

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Format: PaperbackVendor: ZondervanPublication Date: 1996

Dimensions: 8 X 5.31 (inches)ISBN: 0310211271ISBN-13: 9780310211273

Publisher's Description

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What caused a former Dallas Seminary professor to believe that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are being given today? What convinced someone skeptical about miracles that God still speaks and heals? A dramatic change took place in Jack Deere's life when he took a fresh look at the Scriptures. He discovered that his arguments against miraculous gifts were based more on prejudice and lack of personal experience than on the Bible. As soon as Deere became a seeker instead of a skeptic, the Holy Spirit revealed himself in new and surprising ways. In Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, Deere provides a strong biblical defense for the Spirit's speaking and healing ministries today. He also describes several reliable cases of people who were miraculously healed or who heard God speak in an unmistakable way. Finally, he gives sound advice for using spiritual gifts in the church. Written in a popular style, with the care of a scholar but the passion of personal experience, this book explores: the real reason Christians do not believe in miraculous gifts, responding to charismatic abuses, whether miracles were meant to be temporary, and why God still heals.

Listening to a Seminary professor who was cessationist as I was, but now has changed based on biblical proof, I now am searching for the truth. The Spirit recently illuminated John 7:38 to me in this regard. I did not see "from my innermost being rivers of living water flowing", not even when I am Spirit-filled and preach the word of God boldly. No, it is not because I am in sin, or do not preach the gospel and not because I do not love others. I have quenched the Holy Spirit long enough, telling Him that He is not to give me spiritual gifts ... Forgive me Father for putting you in a box of my theology. Equip me to live my life for You, and doing so to die for your kingdom. Glory to You forever and ever, Amen!

This has been an awesome book for me. After having experience in both cessationist and charismatic settings, I've always wondered if miraculous gifts were still something that should be pursued today. This book, through a clear exposition of the Bible (both gospels and epistles), shows that we should never try to quench the workings of the Spirit.Deere treats the topic with care. He clearly states the position of continuation of spiritual gifts, but makes sure to address charismatic abuses, which was very important to me. He makes it known that administering of the gifts is all controlled by God's sovereign will. He addresses both cessationist and charismatic fallacies alike, and uses the Bible objectively and clearly. The biggest thing I've taken away from reading this book is, if God gives us the same Spirit that he gave the early church (we do believe God is unchanging, right?), why should we expect that he would stop working supernaturally through us?Do yourself a favor and buy this book, no matter your position. Expect to learn a lot about how big our God truly is!

With the solid Biblical reasoning one might expect from this former Dallas Theological Seminary professor and with the earnestness of a passionate charismatic, Jack Deere presents a compelling case for modern day miraculous gifts. I'm purchasing several copies to pass around.